Sorry, Brattina, I didn't mean to give the impression that Cockers were snappish as in biting, (I should've chosen a better word!) just that they are dogs who need to be around their people and need real exercise and playtime or they do get very bored, and I've noticed that personable dogs - like Cockers - tend to get cranky and pouty and will definitely let you know they aren't happy with the way things are going. My best friend's little black Cocker, Carter, is a hoot. If she's had to work or do too many things other than come home to play with him, or if she's had to be away for a weekend (in which case a friend who lives close by and Carter also adores comes to play with him and walk him several times a day) Carter will take it out on her when she comes back. He pouts, he grumbles at her under his breath, he gets surly and snappish (not as in "bite" snappish, just testy and cranky) and has to be cajoled and catered to until all is forgiven. Sometimes he won't even do his business until she comes home! Have you ever seen a constipated dog! I love the little Cockers; I just don't think it's fair to a dog like a Cocker to have very limited exercise and activity time. They are such sweet little dogs with so much personality; I hate to see one more become an unwanted "problem" Cocker simply because it's in a situation where it can't thrive. The same thing applies to Goldens or Labs or any other breed.
I don't think it's a "breed problem" so much as it is not taking into account what that breed does. Hunting breeds need exercise. They need a good amount of activity and active interaction with their people. I wouldn't suggest a hunting breed for someone with limited time for exercise and one on one activity any more than I would suggest a herding breed in the same circumstances. You just end up with a dog who isn't being treated fairly. There are exceptions, or course, like the standard poodle. Although they're historically a hunting dog, they've also been bred to be dogs who are comfortable and calm in social situations and seem to enjoy quiet times more than other hunting breeds.
You're right about some short haired dogs shedding a lot! I had a little Terrier who left brown and white hair on everything when the weather got the least bit warm. Pugs aren't too bad, though, especially when compared to some of the others. Let's face it, almost any dog is going to shed. We shed! The only dogs who don't shed are robotic! The main reason I would suggest a pug is that they are easier dogs for a first time dog owner than some of the more athletic hunting or working breeds. You kind of get some of the couch potato qualities of the mastiff in a small, convenient package without the inherent potential for problems a novice owner would have with a large dog. I would never, never recommend a mastiff for a novice owner! I love my Filas, but I certainly wouldn't recommend them to 99% of the people I know who are dog owners!
I still stand by my recommendation in my first post: for a first time dog owner (especially someone with limited time for activity and exercise) there's nothing like going to a shelter and spending time with some of the adult or almost adult dogs and find your new best friend that way.